Structural/Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering · SSI

Usama Zafar,
Ph.D.

Assistant Professor · Civil Engineering

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Saitama University, Japan

Bridging geotechnical and structural disciplines through high-fidelity numerical modelling and experimental investigation of soil–pile–structure systems under seismic loading.

Dr. Usama Zafar
Saitama University
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Background

Professional Summary

Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering with specialized expertise in Structural/Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil–Structure Interaction (SSI). Research bridges the gap between geotechnical and structural disciplines, utilizing high-fidelity numerical modelling and experimental investigations to evaluate the dynamic response of soil–pile–structure systems.

Expert in nonlinear soil behaviour, foundation dynamics, and the seismic performance of deep foundations under multi-directional loading. Actively engaged in funded research initiatives and graduate supervision, with specific experience mentoring diverse cohorts within the International Graduate Program.

Dedicated to advancing resilient infrastructure and incorporating research-driven approaches into teaching. Skilled in supporting international students through academic advising and research guidance.

Academic Formation

Education

Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering
Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
October 2019 – September 2022
M.Eng., Civil and Environmental Engineering
Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
October 2017 – September 2019
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, Pakistan
October 2011 – June 2015 · Graduated with Honors
Career

Professional Experience

Oct 2022 – Present
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering · Saitama University
  • Research on nonlinear soil–pile and soil–structure interaction using experimental testing and FEM tools including Code_Aster, PLAXIS 3D, DIANA FEA, ABAQUS, and OpenSeesPy.
  • Led a funded research project on vertical kinematic pile response under seismic loading, conducting vertical base-excitation experiments to quantify pile group dynamic behaviour.
  • Co-supervised graduate research projects; contributed to international program administration.
  • Delivered lectures in Scientific & Technological English and International Communication; guest lectures in Earthquake Engineering, SSI, Pile Dynamics, and Structural Analysis.
  • Participated as Keynote Speaker at an international conference on seismic soil–pile interaction.
PLAXIS 3DCode_AsterDIANA FEAABAQUSOpenSeesPySSI
June 2015 – September 2017
Junior Structural Engineer
NESPAK — National Engineering Services of Pakistan
  • Structural analysis of buildings, bridges, and towers using ETABS/SAP2000, STAAD.Pro, MIDAS Civil/Gen, and PLS Tower.
  • Developed seismic retrofitting strategies using FEM and site inspections; performed response spectrum analyses incorporating SSI.
  • Contributed to flyover and transport infrastructure design; reviewed structural designs for Pakistan Motorways and CPEC projects.
ETABSSAP2000STAAD.ProMIDAS CivilRetrofitting
June 2015 – June 2016
Instructor (Part-time)
CCPEC, Lahore
  • Conducted professional training on ETABS and SAP2000 for practising engineers and students.
ETABSSAP2000Training
Focus Areas

Research Interests

Structural/Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering & SSI

Nonlinear dynamic analysis of coupled soil–pile–structure systems; kinematic and inertial interaction effects.

Deep Foundation Dynamics

Experimental and numerical assessment of single piles and pile groups under vertical, lateral, and combined seismic loading.

Computational Geotechnics

High-fidelity modelling of soil nonlinearity and boundary conditions using advanced finite element methods.

Resilient Geostructures

Performance-based seismic assessment and retrofitting strategies for foundations in seismically active regions.

Infrastructure Sustainability

Lifecycle performance of foundation systems and innovative soil-foundation enhancement techniques.

Experimental Investigation

Shake-table and base-excitation experiments to validate numerical models and characterise soil behaviour under cyclic loading.

Tools & Methods

Technical Skills

Finite Element Modelling

PLAXIS 3DCode_AsterDIANA FEAAbaqus

Programming

PythonVB.NETFortranOpenSeesPy

Research & Analysis

MATLABGNU OctaveSigmaPlotMathematica

Structural Engineering Software

ETABSSAP2000STAAD.ProTEKLA Structures

Design Codes

ACI 318JSCE SpecificationsGB 50010ASCE 7IBC-2024
Scholarly Output

Selected Publications

Zafar U, Goit CS, Saitoh M, Fukuda R
Vertical impedance functions of pile groups under low-to-high loading amplitudes: numerical simulations and experimental validation.
Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration, Vol. 22, pp. 647–666, 2023
Zafar U, Goit CS, Saitoh M
Influence of nonlinearities on the vertical kinematic interaction of piles.
Proceedings of the 7th World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (CSEE'22) · Best Paper Award
Zafar U, Goit CS, Saitoh M
Experimental and Numerical Investigations on Vertical Dynamic Pile-to-Pile Interactions Considering Soil and Interface Nonlinearities.
Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, 2021
Recognition

Grants & Honours

Ohbo Naoto Fund · Saitama University, 2023
Supported research on Vertical Kinematic Response of Pile Foundations.
Best Paper Award · CSEE'22
Awarded at the 7th World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering.
Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship
Japanese Government scholarship for Master's and Doctoral studies at Saitama University.
Graduated with Honors · UET Lahore, 2015
Merit Certificate and scholarship awarded at Bachelor's graduation.
Merit Scholarship · 2012
Academic merit scholarship during undergraduate studies.
Award · UET Lahore Programming Competition, 2012
Recognised for excellence in university-level programming contest.
Connect

Contact

Phone
+81-804952-5087
Location
Saitama University, Japan
LinkedIn
Research Group